Double diaphragm unit



Aug. 25, 1953 J. H. PROVINCE 2,649,843

DOUBLE DIAPHRAGM UNIT Filed Aug. 14, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEYS,

II'I

Aug. 25, 1953 Filed Aug. 14, 1947 J. H. PROVINCE DOUBLE DIAPHRAGM UNIT 3 Sheets-Sheefl 2 ATTORNEYS,

All@ 25, 1953 J. H. PROVINCE 2,649,843

DOUBLE IAPHRAGM UNIT Filed Aug. 14, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 I NE NTOR.

f @Ma @MQ /ITTORNEYS'v Patented ug. 25, 1953 DOUBLE DIAPHRAGM UNIT John H. Province, Oklahoma City, 0k1a. assignor to Phillips Petroleum Company, a corporation of Delaware Application August 14, 1947', Serial No. 768,566

5 Claims.

Other objects are to provide a readily reversible pushing and. pulling device with as simple and direct acting elements as are necessary for the operation of the same; to provide a novel and useful moving element having chambers at opposite ends and positioned by the diaphragme clos- Y ing saidlr chambers.

Numerous other objectsy and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon studying the accompanying drawings, specification and claims.

rIhis invention resides substantially in the combination, construction, arrangement, and relativey location of parts, all as will be hereinafter described.

In the accompanying drawings- Figurel is an. elevational View with parts in section and. parts broken away of a pushing and puliing device embodying the present invention andV applied to the specific problem of actuating al1-rake or clutch;

Figure 2l is a cross sectional View of a portion of the center part of the device shown in Figure 1;:

E'igure 3 is a longitudinal central cross sectional view of` a. modified form of the invention; and

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic layout of the invention.

In Figure l, stationary members generally designated as 3` andv i are provided which may be secured to any object, relative to which a body member generally designated as 5 is movable.

For example, stationary members 3 and 4. may be secured to the body of a truck or other vehicle in which case they are stationary relative to the vehicle but not relative to the ground. The fact members 3 and Il' are stationary to the degree indicated above is represented by conventional symbols 8 andl. The elements shown which comprise the-stationary members will be discussed in more detail relative to Figure 2v where they are. shown. onan enlarged scale, but obviously the specic arrangement shown is merely for purposes of illustration and is not limiting as thefstationary members may be changed considerably without departing from the invention.

Movable body 5 is connected to the work object, generally designated as 8, by any suitable linkage generally designated as 9. For purposeof illustration, the work object has been shown as comprising a rod I I and collar I2 which is a common feature oi" many brakes and clutches of the prior art. Obviously the work object may be entirely diiierent as long as linkage 9 operates the same by pushing or pulling due to the movement of body 5.

For purposes of illustration, linkage 9V is shown comprising an arm I3 rigidly secured to body 5 and: to an operating rod- I4 which in turn moves lever I3 around pivot I'IY by means of pivot I8. In many instances, however, a more direct coni nection can be used, for example, arm I3 could extend directly to work object 8 and be secured thereto bya simple swivel connection (not shown) or even be attached directly thereto (not shown). As shown, rod I4 issecured to arm I3 by nut I9.

Before describing the actuating means of Figure 1 it is believed desirable to describe Figure 2. In. Figure 2 movable body 5 is shown in cooperative relationshipwith stationary members 3 and l., Members 3 and d' are shown comprising rods 2l and 22'. secured'A to bases 6 and 'I respectively and end plates 23 and 24 and nuts 2S and 21. The inner ends of rods 2I and 22Y are provided with means iorconnecting them to exible diaphragme 28 and 29'comprising heads 3 Iy and 32y and nut 33v cooperating with head 3 I.

It will be noted that head 3l extends on to the inner side of diaphragm 28,. whereas head 32 is entirely on the outside of diaphragm 2.9. Diaphragm 28 is therefore perforated to allow for the passage of rod 2l and nut 33 provides a. seal by forcing diaphragm 28 into close contact with head 3|. However, if any leakage through such a seal isto be completely obviated a head of the type shown asheadY 32 may be employed, in which case diaphragm 29 is without any perforations.

In assembling the device, it is preferred to use similar heads on both diaphragms 28 and- 29 either both the type of the head 3l or both of the type of head 3.2.. I prefer to use those of the type of head 32 as the diaphragms are less likely to leak after long usage. Obviously when heads of the type 32 are employed the guiding action of 'cover il becomes more important than when heads of the type 3 I- are' used.

The body member e comprises a member 36 preferably hollowed out to form chambers 31 and 38, which chambers are respectively closed by diaphragms 28 and 29, the edges of the diaphragms being preferably secured to 36 by means of chamber heads 39 and 4| secured by bolts 42. While heads 39 and 4| could merely be rings or eliminated entirely if diaphragme 28 and 29 are secured. to 36 by other means, it is preferred to have heads 39 and 4| fulill two additional functions, namely, by having a sliding t with rods 2| and 22 the heads protect the diaphragms from contacting dirt, oil and mechanical damage and the heads also provide a guide for rods 2| and 22 which results in taking substantially all of the lateral stress off of diaphragms 28 and 29 which results in a longer life for said diaphragms.

Passages 43 and 44 provide conduits connecting chambers 31 and 38 with the fluid actuating means to be described and suitable connections 45 and 46 are provided for this purpose. Passages 43 and 44 preferably terminate adjacent the reinforced areas of the diaphragms but for convenience in illustration are not so shown in Figure 2.

Returning to Figure 1, the actuating means generally designated as 43 will now be described. A source of actuating fluid 49 is provided and while this uid is shown as a liquid it is within the scope of the present invention to use gas in which case 49 could be a closed container or merely be the atmosphere itself in which case no container would be needed. Fluid from whatever source is provided, such as 49, is drawn through pressure line 52 by any pump 53 suitable for such fluid and an exhaust line l54 is provided to return the iluid to source 49. A valve 56 is provided for connecting one of conduits 52 and 54 with conduit 51 and the other to conduit 58.

As body5 would generally move relative to system 48 as it would generally be more convenient to fasten 48 to the bases 6 and 1, it is necessary to provide flexible sections 59 and 6| in conduits 51 and 58. 59 and 6| are shown as flexible rubber tubing, but obviously telescopic metal joints (not shown) or other means known to the art could be provided to allow movement of 5 relative to 48. As shown, conduit 51 is secured in connection with passage 43 at 46 and conduit 56 is similarly secured in communication with passage 44 at 45.

A handle 56 is provided to change the position of valve 56, which valve is shown as a rotary four-way valve of common construction.

Operation With valve handle 56 in the position shown and pump 53 operating, pump 53 draws fluid 5| from source 49 through pipe 52 and forces the same through conduit 51 into chamber 31 as shown by the arrows indicating direction of flow. Increased pressure in chamber 31 forces body 5 away from stationary member 3 resulting in increased pressure in chamber 38. As chamber 38 is connected by conduit 58, valve 56 and line 54 to a region of lower pressure 49, the fluid in chamber 38 flows as indicated by the arrows into 49.

The result is that body 5 moves to the right relative to stationary members 3 and 4 carrying linkage 9 along with it and pushing work object 8 to the left due to pivot |1. The movement comes to an end when chamber 31 is full.

When valve handle `56 is moved to rotate valve 56 through an angle of 90, pipes 51 and 58 are then connected to pipes 54 and 52 respectively whereupon pump 53 lls chamber 38 in a similar manner moving body 5 to the left relative to the stationary members 3 and 4. At 45 all flow is shut off.

In the structure previously described and illustrated in Figure 2, the motor housing 36 remains in the position to which it is moved as long as the pressure chamber 38 is pressurized and chamber 31 is vented. The clutch may be disengaged only by releasing the pressure in chamber 38 and simultaneously pressurizing chamber 31. This may be done by manipulating four way valve 56. This type of device proves satisfactory for clutches that require actual force to keep them engaged with the load. However, a great many clutches are of the so-called over-center type which when once engaged with the load remain in that position until forcibly disengaged. For this type of clutch, it is preferred to use a spring loaded unit as shown in Figure 3. It should be noted that the operation of the unit requires that each expansible chamber be capable of being exhausted without the other side being pressurized, therefore the four way valve 56 must be replaced with two separate three way valves. The pressure end of each valve would be connected with pressure line 52 and the exhaust end of each valve would be connected to exhaust line 54. The work end of one valve would be connected to line 53 and the work end of the second valve to line 51.

The modification of Figure 3 consists of a xed standard or block 62 to which are secured at the sides in any suitable manner, as by welding, a pair of rods or bars 63 connected at their outer end by a cross-brace 64. Adjustably mounted in the block 62 is a support 65 (which may be a shaft) which is secured therein in adjusted longitudinal relation by means of a set screw 66 or some equivalent thereof. Slidably mounted on the support 65 is a collar 61 engaged by a clutch shifter yoke 68. This yoke in turn is connected to a pair of slidable rods 69 which pass through pairs of aligned bushings 10 and 1| mounted in the block 62. The opposite ends of the rod 69 are bolted to the bracket 12 in turn secured to the cover 13 of the double diaphragm fluid pressure motor. This motor consists of the body portion 15 and another cover 14 extending in the opposite direction to the cover 13. Clamped between the body portion 15 and the covers 13 and 14 by means of bolts are a pair of diaphragms 16 and 11. Engaging the outer faces of the diaphragms by means of the disked ends as shown are a pair of rods 18 and 80 which pass through holes in the end walls of the covers 13 and 14 respectively. Compression springs 19 and 8| encircle the shafts 18 and 8U and lie between the ends of the respective covers and the enlarged ends of these rods which bear on the diaphragm. The rod 18 projects into a recess in the support 65. The rod 88 is provided with a threaded end on which is mounted a flanged sleeve 82 which is locked thereon for movement therewith. This sleeve slides in an opening in the cross-brace 64. The body portion of the motor is provided with uid passages 83 and 84 opening into the expansible chambers formed by the body portion 15 and the diaphragms 16 and 11.

1n describing the operation of this modification it will again be assumed that the yoke 68 and collar 61 are part of the shifting mechanism of a clutch which will be assumed to be disengaged with the parts shown in the position of Figure 3.

To engage the clutch pressure fluid in a System like that of Figure 1 is supplied to the passage 83. The manner in which such a system is connected is illustrated in Figure 4, wherein the lluid system of Figure 1, using the same numerical designation, is applied to the mechanism shown in Figure 3. Conduits 5l and 58 are applied to inlets 83 and 84. Pressure will build up in the chamber of which the diaphragm 76 forms a part and as the rod 'i8 is seated in the recess of the xed support 65 the body portion 'F5 will move to the right carrying rod 80 and connected parts with it. As the motor housing moves to the right it will carry with it of course the bracket l2 and the attached parts `69. This will move the yoke 68 and collar 61 to the right on the support 85 engaging the clutch. By the time the engaging movement of the clutch has been completed, the motor and attached parts will have moved to the right so that the shouldered end of the sleeve 82 will engage the crossbrace 84. As soon as the pressure uid is exhausted from the lefthand cylinder, spring 19 which has become compressedwill move the rod 'i8 and the diaphragm I6 back to the position with relation to the motor body shown in Figure 3 said body however remaining at the extreme limit of its travel in a direction toward crossbrace 64.

In order to disengage the clutch, pressure fluid is supplied to the passage 84. As the pressure builds up in the righthand cylinder of the motor the motor body and attached parts will move to the left as the sleeve 82 now bears against the cross-brace 64. These movements continue to the left and of course the shifter yoke 88 and collar 6T will slide to the left on the support 65. The motor and attached parts will return to the position shown in Figure 3 with the exception of the diaphragm 11, rod 80 and attached parts, and spring 8| which has been compressed during these return movements. However, as soon as the pressure fluid is exhausted from the righthand cylinder, spring 8| will collapse the diaphragm 'I1 and return the rod 88 and attached parts to the position shown in Figure 3. Thus, with the motor at rest in either extreme position and the cylinders open to exhaust, the motor parts, that is, the diaphragms I6 and 11, the rods 18 and 80 (with attached parts) and the springs 19 and 8| will be in their normal relaxed position with respect to the motor body.

While I have shown in the drawings, several particular illustrative forms of my invention, various modifications may be made in the same and in the various features of construction, without materially changing the invention therein, and formal changes may be made in the specic embodiment of the invention described Without departing from the spirit or substance of the broad invention, the scope or" which is commensurate with the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A combination as disclosed comprising a lwork object shiftable to either of two positions, a

work object in either of said two positions an abutment member xedly mounted in spaced relation to said'support, a motor body lying between said support and member, means connecting said motor body with said work object, a pair of flexible diaphragms attached to opposite sides of said body and forming expansible chambers, and a pair of spring biased rods bearing on said diaphragme, said rods slidably engaging said support and member whereby pressure uid supplied to one chamber shifts said body and work object to one position of the latter and pressure luid thereafter supplied to the other chamber shifts said body and work object back to the initial position of the latter, and the motor assumes neutral position with respect to its associated operating parts when iiuid pressure is exhausted from the pressurized chamber in either position of said body while said work object remains in either of the positions to which it is shifted.

2. In the combination of claim 1, means for fixing said abutment to said support.

3. In the combination of claim 1, means for fixing said abutment to said support comprising a second pair of rods lying on opposite sides of said motor body.

4. In the combination of claim 1, said abutment including a lixed member and a member slidable therein and attached to the adjacent rod.

5. A combination as described comprising a work object shiftable to either of two positions, a pair of spaced fixed abutment members, a motor body longitudinally movable in the space between said abutment members, means for connecting said body with said work object, means forming with said motor body a pair of expansible chambers, a pair of rods engaging said means and slida-bly engaging said abutment members, and springs interposed between said rods and adjacent portions of said motor body to cause them to engage sadi means at all times whereby upon exhaust of pressure fluid from both of said chambers said motor assumes a neutral position with respect to said rods independent of the position of said work object.

JOHN I-I. PROVINCE.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 381,571 Mills Apr. 24, 1888 859,737 Brown July 9, 1907 917,642 McElroy Apr. 6, 1909 1,416,210 Jung et al. May 16, 1922 1,936,602. Karg Nov. 28, 1933 2,182,289 Eisenlohr Dec. 5, 1939 2,210,917 Kenyon Aug. 13, 1940 2,261,444 Neubert Nov. 4, 1941 2,379,291 Glass June 26, 1945 2,491,087 Cardwell et al Dec. 13, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 1,193 Great Britain Apr. 9, 1868 20,570 Great Britain Sept. 20, 1902 

